CIVIC DUTY / OPPORTUNITY: Be a County Commissioner (DL: 11/21/FRI)

Posted:  31 Oct 14

ONE OF THOSE CHANCES OF A LIFETIME!

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1.  Purpose

To provide some helpful information to anyone, anywhere in the nation, who might have a chance to volunteer for a County (or equivalent) Commissioner position.  Paragraph 5, below, offers some links to help those who might seriously consider applying -- by suggesting some information which I think I would consider, were I they.

To pass on an important announcement that speaks directly to the residents of Contra Costa County, California.  Here is a link to Contra Costa's Board of Supervisors Appointed Bodies, Committees and Commissions, website page. THE ANNOUNCEMENT IS IN PARAGRAPH 4, BELOW

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2.  A Very Big Deal

County Commissioner!! (or State or City Commissioner and others, too) What an opportunity to serve in a big way.  To position oneself to help attract and dispense goodness across a significant territory and populace.  You know what they say.  "That the greatest rewards in this life are best found by serving others, to the best of one's abilities."  For the right person, under the right circumstances, this could be a chance to serve and thrive, in a big way.

I tell you, if I weren't committed to this Civic Mentor project -- which tries to multiply and optimize the capacity in all (including myself) -- to serve self and others -- in all life-aspects -- I would apply in a heartbeat, if circumstance permitted.  I'm certain of it.  I believe it's that big a deal to try it, at least once.  For this is a priceless opportunity to learn and do something valuable and lasting and UNIQUE.

Today, I received the embedded press release, below, from my friend, Ed Diokno -- another key part of Supervisor Glover's team -- when I felt inspired to do a little "legwork" for you -- for US -- for U.S.

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3.  It seems to me

That the quality of a nation's life has a lot to do with the quality of its volunteer-spirit -- and, I think this helps explain America's greatness.  We tend to pitch-in, when it makes sense, because we are free to do so or not.  And, when there's the will, and the freedom to express it, someone will find a way and do the thing.

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4.  Here, then, is the Announcement of Openings the Supervisor needs us to help fill:  Please note the 11/21/14 deadline.

Release 31 Oct 2014 Openings

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5.  Here are some links you might like to look over -- just general stuff to help you explore the notion -- the playing field -- and see a bit of what it contains:

• County Commission (A Wikipedia discussion)
• What does a county commissioner do? (Google search)
• Why be a county commissioner? (Google search)
• So you want to be a county commissioner (Montana Association of Counties)
• County Commissions in the United States (Google search)
• Associations of County Commissioners (Google search)

And, also, WHERE FEASIBLE, it seems reasonable 

to consider doing some, all, or none of these (sounds like a huge worklist, but that's probably just because they are individually itemized -- many surely overlap and can be done, simultaneously):

• Attend some public Commission-meetings (of different types, since knowledge tends to be transferable, in its nature) -- and watch job-performance in action.
• Seek sufficient information to build confidence and see where more homework is indicated.
• Talk with some County Supervisors and Commissioners -- perhaps, current and former officials -- ask for briefings, interviews, tours, literature, suggestions, etc. -- some of the challenges of the job, current and past -- someone might even agree to become a mentor.
• Chat it up with friends and neighbors and City, State,and other officials and civic activists one is able to encounter.
• Research the news media for pertinent articles and data.
• Exploit the public and private access available on the social networks.
• And, of course, the County website and Wikipedia, etc. discussions.

AND THIS CAN'T HELP BUT BE A POWERFUL SWEETENER ON ANY RESUME OR C.V., DON'T YOU THINK?

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David Nelson


All Original Content © 2014, The MENTOR Enterprises / ELMS, All Rights Reserved. BUT, I hereby waive those rights, to this extent: You may freely copy and pass this along -- and are urged to do so -- as long as it's all done free of charge, unchanged, you include this statement, AND you inform me as to how it is being used -- at YOUR convenience but, hopefully soonest.

City of Pittsburg: Day of the Dead observances mix fun, memories

Day of the Dead observances mix fun, memories

Altars, artwork, entertainment and more are on tap

Posted Date: 10/31/2014

Dia de los Muertos in East Contra Costa observances combine fun and remembrance By Marta Yamamota For the Contra Costa Times Posted: 10/30/2014 10:35:28 AM PDTUpdated: 10/30/2014 10:45:25 AM PDT Celebrating a cultural event with ties all the way back to the Aztecs, East County families will gather on Saturday, sharing the belief that the spirits of deceased loved ones return to reunite with their families on this day each year. Day of the Dead, El Dia de los Muertos, is celebrated throughout Mexico with much love and joy, and is viewed as an opportunity to spend the day and visit with those no longer with us. In East County, Pittsburg will hold a two-day celebration, Oakley a cultural workshop and in Antioch a special Mass and light celebration at Holy Cross Cemetery. Pittsburg Arts & Community Foundation is co-hosting Day of the Dead events in Pittsburg on Nov. 1 and 2. A community altar is set up at the California Theatre in which people can add their offerings. (Pittsburg Arts & Community Foundation) ( Pittsburg Arts & Community Found ) Pittsburg's Dia de los Muertos, sponsored by the Pittsburg Arts & Community Foundation with help from others, will be Saturday and Sunday at three locations where exhibits, entertainment and activities reflect the theme "Pensando en ti" or "thinking of you." Memory table exhibits, called ofrendas will be displayed at Galleria Vidrio, Railroad Book Depot and California Theatre, from1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Galleria ofrendas will be those created by local families; those at the Railroad Depot will be part of a literacy project. A community ofrenda will be set up in the California Theatre so people can contribute pictures of their loved ones. The theater will also provide entertainment on both days. On Saturday, from 2 to 4 p.m., the public is invited to enjoy the Besh Beni Aztec Dancers and the Jaraque Folklorico Dancers. A harpist from Jalisco, Salvador Vazquez, will close the show. On Sunday, Mariachi San Miguel from Stockton will entertain from 2 to 4 p.m. Also on Sunday, Old Town Plaza will be the scene for a festival-like family day with activities for the children, more music, food vendors and information booths where nonprofit organizations geared toward the Latino community will be on hand. From 1 to 5 p.m. the plaza will be alive with sugar skull decoration, paper flower making, each requiring a small fee, and loteria, Mexican bingo. All other activities are free and foundation member Rose Mary Tumbaga sees this as an event that many can enjoy. "I think people who have a limited knowledge of what Day of the Dead is and are interested in learning more about it would really enjoy the event," she said. "Of course, those who do know everything they need to know about it will just love it because it's a lot of fun; it's a family activity." In Oakley, You, Me, We Oakley (YMWO) is partnering with the city and local groups to present El Dia de los Muertos Cultural Workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at Oakley City Hall. The free workshop's goal is to share information about the holiday, and its purpose and significance toward the traditions the day represents. Again a Dia de los Muertos altar will be important and attendees are encouraged to bring pictures and favorites items of their loved ones to include in the community ofrenda. Ofrendas created by community groups or individuals, including Freedom High School's Latinos Unidos, St. Anthony's Sociedad Guadalupana, Art and Lidia Fernandez, Liberty's Latinos Unidos and others, will also be displayed. The workshop will include dance performances by local groups and various activities, such as decorating your own sugar skull, making tissue flowers, traditional face painting, tasting Pan de Muerto and enjoying a fun game of loteria (Mexican bingo). In Antioch, Holy Cross Cemetery will use Saturday to celebrate the opening of its new mortuary chapel and its annual Day of the Dead observance, starting with an All Souls Mass at 11 a.m., followed by food and mariachi. At 6:30 p.m. there will be a Vigil of Light Celebration for families to honor their loved ones with the placing of candles on their gravestones. If You Go Pittsburg: Dia de los Muertos: Nov. 1, 2. Exhibits: 1-5 p.m., Galleria Vidrio, 690 Railroad Ave.; Railroad Book Depot, 650 Railroad Ave.; California Theatre, 361 Railroad Ave. Entertainment: 2-4 p.m. Nov. 1-2, California Theatre. Festival: 1-5 p.m. Nov. 2, Old Town Plaza, 500 Railroad Ave. Information: Rose Mary Tumbaga, 925-252-6981, rtumbaga@pittsburgfoundation.org. Oakley: Dia de los Muertos Cultural Workshop, 1-3 p.m. Nov. 1, Oakley City Hall, 3231 Main St. For more information call YMWO program coordinator Gabriela Banos-Galvan, 925-625-7011, gaby@youmeweoakley.org. Antioch: Holy Cross Cemetery, 2200 E. 18th St., Mass and celebration

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DIA DE LOS MUERTOS -- Pittsburg - East County (11/1 and 11/2/Sun)

Posted: 31 Oct 14

This reminder just received on our neighborhood network, from Pittsburg's California Theater:

Dia de los Muertos in East Contra Costa observances combine fun and remembrance

By Marta YamamotaFor the Contra Costa Times

POSTED:   10/30/2014 10:35:28 AM PDT0 COMMENTS| UPDATED:   A DAY AGO

Celebrating a cultural event with ties all the way back to the Aztecs, East County families will gather on Saturday, sharing the belief that the spirits of deceased loved ones return to reunite with their families on this day each year.  

In East County, Pittsburg will hold a two-day celebration, Oakley a cultural workshop and in Antioch a special Mass and light celebration at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Pittsburg's Dia de los Muertos, sponsored by the Pittsburg Arts & Community Foundation with help from others, will be Saturday and Sunday at three locations where exhibits, entertainment and activities reflect the theme "Pensando en ti" or "thinking of you."

(Click here for more)

D. Nelson

All Original Content © 2014, The MENTOR Enterprises / ELMS, All Rights Reserved. BUT, I hereby waive those rights, to this extent: You may freely copy and pass this along -- and are urged to do so -- as long as it's all done free of charge, unchanged, you include this statement, AND you inform me as to how it is being used -- at YOUR convenience but, hopefully soonest.

ACCUMULATOR: POWERFUL NEWS SOURCES FOR SMART PHONE & COMPUTER

Posted: 31 Oct 14

Purpose

To accumulate links to innovative ways to set oneself up to receive the EXACT categories of news one desires, as easily, reliably, enjoyably, and thoroughly as needed, so as to: (1) inform you of good discoveries, without delay and (2) to help me keep track of growing numbers of these.

Discussion

This morning's discovery of Anews.com triggers the renewal of my efforts to consolidate, all in one place (like an infinite tool-box), all the news-delivery tools I discover, which can fulfill the above purpose.  I have examined this FREE website and have found it to be impressive enough to enroll -- on my desktop AND Android smart phone.  It really is an excellent approach.

Anews.com offers: "All news, blogs, and social media feeds in one simple interface." [My job is to eventually gather ALL simple interfaces into one simple, consolidating interface -- celebrating the achievements of ALL others, as they become known to me]

This is the first of what I hope will be many options, to help you choose exactly what you need, as circumstances change.


David Nelson






All Original Content © 2014, The MENTOR Enterprises / ELMS, All Rights Reserved. BUT, I hereby waive those rights, to this extent: You may freely copy and pass this along -- and are urged to do so -- as long as it's all done free of charge, unchanged, you include this statement, AND you inform me as to how it is being used -- at YOUR convenience but, hopefully soonest.

TIMELY USA.GOV ALERT! -- How Halloween Costumes Can Kill or Maim

Posted:  31 Oct 14

The following message and 1-minute video are important for parents and lovers of children to know.

It shows, vividly, how flammable costumes and fire can easily meet and quickly envelope a child -- with tragic results.  A word to the wise is sufficient.  For the rest of us, a video is a big help.

David Nelson

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On Fri, Oct 31, 2014 at 4:59 AM, USA.gov Team <subscriptions@subscriptions.usa.gov> wrote:

Happy Halloween! Check out this spooky greeting from NASA!  As your little ghost or goblin heads out for Halloween fun this evening, be sure what they're wearing is safe. Halloween costumes can be susceptible to fire damage, so watch this video to see which materials are safest, and read up on what you can do to make sure this holiday is memorable for the right reasons. If you have questions, contact us. STAY CONNECTED TO USA.GOV: Facebook  Twitter  YouTube  Our Blog USA.gov • General Services Administration • OCSIT • 1800 F Street, NW • Washington DC 20405 • (800) 333-4636.

All Original Content © 2014, The MENTOR Enterprises / ELMS, All Rights Reserved. BUT, I hereby waive those rights, to this extent: You may freely copy and pass this along -- and are urged to do so -- as long as it's all done free of charge, unchanged, you include this statement, AND you inform me as to how it is being used -- at YOUR convenience but, hopefully soonest.

Pittsburg: Railroad Book Depot -- Nov 2014 Newsletter

Posted: 30 Oct 14

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On Thu, Oct 30, 2014 at 7:56 PM, RAILROAD BOOK DEPOT <jglover@pittsburgfoundation.org> wrote:

RAILROAD BOOK DEPOT  Railroad Book Depot 650 Railroad Ave. Pittsburg, CA 94565

All Original Content © 2014, The MENTOR Enterprises / ELMS, All Rights Reserved. BUT, I hereby waive those rights, to this extent: You may freely copy and pass this along -- and are urged to do so -- as long as it's all done free of charge, unchanged, you include this statement, AND you inform me as to how it is being used -- at YOUR convenience but, hopefully soonest.

TRICK OR TREAT AT PPD / 4 TO 6 pm / and SAFETY TIPS

Posted: 30 Oct 14

​​Besides joining Nixle.com for fast, automatic updates on developments involving the police -- be sure to keep in mind the PPD Facebook page, which also gives you part of the picture -- but with an EXTRA -- a chance to feedback directly to PPD, where Nixle basically flows in one direction, as opposed to Facebook's multi-directional approach.

On Thu, Oct 30, 2014 at 3:35 PM, Pittsburg Police Department (CA) <pittsburg-police-department-ca@emails.nixle.com> wrote:

Message sent via Nixle | Go to nixle.com | Unsubscribe

Thursday October 30, 2014, 3:33 PM Pittsburg Police Department (CA) Community: Trick or Treat at Pittsburg Police Department from 4:00PM to 6:30PM on Halloween Day

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Dear Nixle User,                          Come to Trick or Treating at the Pittsburg Police Department from 4:00PM to 6:30PM and get a Safety Tips bag with candy!!! The men and women of the Pittsburg Police Department want to ensure Halloween is a safe and fun event for the entire family.  Here are some safety tips to make sure your Halloween is enjoyable.

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Trick or Treating: Plan your route ahead of time. Trick or treat in familiar and well lit neighborhoods. Carry a flashlight with new batteries after dark. Always trick or treat in groups with an adult. Stay on sidewalks and out of streets. Follow traffic signals and don’t jaywalk. Always watch for cars backing up or turning. Never accept rides from strangers. For Motorists Drive slowly! Remain cautious and drive slowly through the community. Look for children walking or running on the street. Do not use a cell phone while driving. Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully. Do not Drink and Drive! Officers will be patrolling all neighborhoods, report all suspicious activity to the Pittsburg Police Department (925) 646-2441. For full details, view this message on the web.      TEXT-A-TIP Text TIP  PITTSBURGPD followed by your message, to 888777  or  Submit an anonymous web tip For help, reply HELP to 888777. To cancel, reply STOP to 888777. No charge but Message & Data rates may apply. 2 messages. More info at nixle.com. AT&T, T-Mobile®, Sprint, Verizon Wireless and most other carriers are supported. Contact customer support at support@nixle.com. Sent by Pittsburg Police Department (CA) 65 Civic Ave, Pittsburg, CA 94565 Powered by . © 2014 Nixle, LLC. All rights reserved.

All Original Content © 2014, The MENTOR Enterprises / ELMS, All Rights Reserved. BUT, I hereby waive those rights, to this extent: You may freely copy and pass this along -- and are urged to do so -- as long as it's all done free of charge, unchanged, you include this statement, AND you inform me as to how it is being used -- at YOUR convenience but, hopefully soonest.

City of Pittsburg: BART is gearing up for the SF Giants Championship Parade on Friday, October 31

BART is gearing up for the SF Giants Championship Parade on Friday, October 31

More trains and extended hours

Posted Date: 10/30/2014

BART is gearing up to carry hundreds of thousands of baseball fans to downtown San Francisco on Friday, October 31 to celebrate the Giants World Series seventh game win. BART will run its rush hour service all day--using every available train possible. Because it is Halloween, trains will run until 2AM. Trains to and from the city will be at maximum length and frequency.

About 100 extra BART employees in yellow vests will be stationed throughout the system to help with crowd control and to assist passengers. BART Police will have extra patrols and train technicians on hand just in case. Large crowds are expected and passengers should anticipate long lines and crowded trains. BART officials are urging fans to buy their round-trip tickets or load up their Clipper® cards before Friday's ticker tape parade in San Francisco.

Travel Tips
BART wants everyone to have fun and get to the parade safely. New riders need to know that everyone who rides BART needs a BART ticket or Clipper card to enter the system. Here are other Giants parade day tips:
*Load your Clipper card with extra value or, if buying a BART ticket, purchase a round trip ticket before parade day.
*Avoid peak commute hours (6AM-9AM and 4PM-6PM).
*Don't bring your bike onboard trains or inside stations as they will be very crowded.
*Allow extra time to get to San Francisco before the parade begins at 12 Noon.
*Parking rules and restrictions will be enforced. Consider getting to the station by alternative means such as carpooling, walking, biking (and parking your bike at the station) or taking a bus, as parking lots will fill up very early. Do not park in permit spaces if you don't have a permit. (Even if you have a reserved space, we cannot guarantee eager fans won't park there-we will be ticketing).
Plan your trip using the BART QuickPlanner.

You can get automated BART Service Advisories (BSA) on your phone. BART offers both email and text options. To sign up for BSAs, please visit us at www.bart.gov/alerts.

For on-demand service information, you can use our mobile site m.bart.gov or request BART real time departures, service advisories and more via text message. To get started text "BART go" to 468311 or jump right in and text "BART" + your station name. We'll text you back in seconds. Follow us on Twitter @sfbart for news or @sfbartalert for automated service advisories.

Rodd Lee
BART - Government and Community Relations Manager

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City of Pittsburg: VETJAM 2014 Concert at California Theatre 11/8/SAT

VETJAM 2014 Concert at California Theatre

Rock Show Benefit for Local Veterans Groups

Date: 11/8/2014 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Cost: $10

Location: California Theatre
351 Railroad Avenue
Pittsburg, California

Presented by the Veterans Employment Committee of Contra Costa County

VETJAM 2014 with HOT FOR TEACHER & Alan Iglesias and Crossfire - A Loving Tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughn

The 2nd annual VETJAM concert features classic rock and Texas blues by Hot for Teacher and Alan Iglesias. Hot for Teacher entertains with the grooving and unforgettable music of Van Halen and Alan Iglesias presents Stevie Ray Vaughn at his best, with his signature sound, guitars, and attitude! Tickets are ONLY $10 and are available at the Theatre Box Office.

Performance(s):  Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 5pm

Ticket(s):All Tickets are $10

For more information or to purchase tickets on-line, visit www.pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com or call box office at (925) 4271611.  Box office is open from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

WITHDRAWN: FREE PUBLICITY OFFER FOR CITY-COUNCIL CANDIDATES (#1)

Posted: 29 Oct 14
Withdrawn: 29 Oct 14

THIS BULLETIN WITHDRAWS THE EARLIER ONE, WHICH HAS BEEN RETAINED BELOW THIS WITHDRAWAL NOTICE, as background, only

I am taking the unusual step of withdrawing a published bulletin, because of my own error in posting it in the first place.

It was originally published, this date, under title: "A FAIR OFFER TO ALL CANDIDATES FOR PITTSBURG CITY COUNCIL 2014" 

• On further reflection, I now realize that this bulletin is not such a good idea, after all.  Considering the closeness of election-day, candidates are surely extremely busy and hard-pressed with last-minute details.   Resources for a local campaign are obviously tight.  To add this extra task, on such short notice, is sure to disrupt their delicate balancing-act.  They don't need extra surprises -- they have plenty, already.

• It could mean that they would have to drop what they were doing -- and take on this sudden, added work. Besides, an adequate letter to the people can take a lot of effort and care to compose, so that one doesn't "shoot his or her own foot" by misstating their true positions or just as badly, confusing the public, through hasty errors that can slip through (with very little time for cleaning up new problems this would introduce).  

• And, if they didn't respond, then the information you would possess, from here,would become slanted in the favor of those who did -- and the conspicuous absence of others might give the mistaken impression of indifference.

So,  I think it was quite probably a mistake to post this invitation to publish a campaign letter, at this late hour. 

 And, with insufficient time and warning, this would be unfair, rather than fair, to leave in place.

Accordingly, I am hereby withdrawing my offer to publish candidates' letters -- with sincerest apologies to all who may be affected by this error.  

I still have much to learn -- and this was a big lesson.  I can't wait to reach the level where I can hire a staff to help me see these things before I move on them.  Next time, I'll try to give people more "breathing room," before venturing such, again.

David Nelson

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AS BACKGROUND, ONLY, HERE IS THE TEXT OF THE WITHDRAWN BULLETIN

1.  Purpose

1.1  In the public interest -- especially with the such a profound issue as "Wespac" facing the next Pittsburg City Council (please see this recent separate bulletin for more on this issue)  -- I believe it is vital to our best ballot-box decision-making to hear from the candidates at least one more time.

1.2  Accordingly, this bulletin offers to all contenders the fairest possible opportunity I can provide -- to publish a letter to our fellow Pittsburg neighbors -- here on this bulletin board.

1.3  I hope all contenders will take advantage of this, so voters can even better balance their understandings to reach the best conclusions.  Typically, city-level elections, constrained by a smaller population-size -- means that far fewer resources are available to finance an effective campaign, than are available to those pursuing higher office.  Thus, free publicity is a way to try to neutralize this local constraint on our freedoms, as far as possible.

1.4.  Ad Hoc Private Civic Groups -- are welcomed and encouraged to post constructive responses and web-links, in the comment sections, below the communiques being invited by this bulletin.  I will also entertain requests to publish stand-alone letters to this blog, though this may open unforeseen consequences -- so I reserve my right to decide and preserve balance -- but am determined to do so, fairly.

2.  Discussion

2.1  With the election only days away, I regret not doing this sooner -- but, circumstance had not yet shown this to be warranted until quite recently (and I do have a sharply-constrained time-budget and resources to manage -- I am my only staff). There is a risk that the word will not reach all the candidates in time (you, dear reader, can be a big help in this) -- but, then again, it might.  And, I do so NEED to be fair and in my "official capacity" -- to diligently try to maintain reasonable impartiality in civic system-building -- while giving others a fair hearing on this platform.

2.2  Besides, we will still be neighbors, long after this issue has been worked out and settled -- and we need to be extra careful to guard against any lasting bitterness which can turn "the clock of progress" backwards -- to our utter and unnecessary disadvantage and ruin as a community.  Rumors always rush in to fill political vacuums.  But good information squeezes those out, once made known.  And, in that spirit, this offer is made.

3.  Actions Requested

3.1  So, candidates, please feel free to write -- confident that your message will be published, unchanged -- though I reserve the civic right to proffer my private opinions below it, in response -- a right to which my readers are also entitled -- and you deserve the right to respond to the responses -- until the standards of fairness are satisfied, as far as humanly possible.  (In other words, a discussion is welcome)

3.2  I also must reserve the right to make minor cosmetic edits to your letter, as necessary to integrate it into this blog, consistent with its design and style -- and to correct unambiguous typo-errors.  But the substance and structure will not be touched, otherwise.

3.3  Readers, in general:  

• Please do what you can to help insure that this offer reaches the ears of the candidates in good time.  I simply cannot do this alone, nor should I.

• Please fell free to comment on any responses received.  You can do this below all bulletins on this blog (not just on this one), as well as on any candidate responses received.

GOOD DECISION-MAKING DEMANDS GOOD INFORMATION

Bad information is useless and filled with hazards for the unwary
and injustices for its victims

Most respectfully,
David Nelson




All Original Content © 2014, The MENTOR Enterprises / ELMS, All Rights Reserved. BUT, I hereby waive those rights, to this extent: You may freely copy and pass this along -- and are urged to do so -- as long as it's all done free of charge, unchanged, you include this statement, AND you inform me as to how it is being used -- at YOUR convenience but, hopefully soonest.

CIVIC PROCEDURE / CRIME: Preventative Tips for Mail Theft

Posted:  28 Oct 14

Courtesy of:   Pittsburg, CA Police Department and Nixle.com
Scope:             NATIONAL

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​​Friends,

Please note:  You can subscribe to this Nixle.com public alert service and receive these notices, immediately and automatically via email -- NATIONALLY.  I can't move as fast -- nor am I likely to post everything received --- yet, it might be helpful if you had regular, reliable, easy-access flows -- flows from this professional, specialized source -- within your territory and in general (this oughta help, can't hurt).   

The police really do need our help to do their best work -- and we need for them to do their best work.  No?  So, light your "civic-engines" and help to fix our world.

Here is Nixle.com's MISSION STATEMENT

Nixle’s mission is to enable secure communication channels between residents and local public safety agencies to create safer and more informed communities.  

Read more from their "About" page.

David Nelson

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On Tue, Oct 28, 2014 at 3:37 PM, Pittsburg Police Department (CA) <pittsburg-police-department-ca@emails.nixle.com> wrote:

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Tuesday October 28, 2014, 3:36 PM Pittsburg Police Department (CA) Community: Preventative Tips for Mail Theft                          Dear Nixle User,                                                                                               Mail theft is on the rise and continues to be a concern in every community throughout the nation.  The Pittsburg Police Department has partnered with the United States Post Service in an effort to share information and resources, provide outreach and seek innovative ways to stop mail theft and crimes related to mail theft in our city.  Below are tips on preventing mail theft and crimes related to mail theft: Promptly remove mail from your mailbox after delivery, especially if you're expecting checks, credit cards, or other negotiable items. If you won't be home when the items are expected, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail. Have your local post office hold your mail while you're on vacation, or absent from your home for a long period of time.   If you don't receive a check or other valuable mail you're expecting, contact the issuing agency immediately. If you change your address, immediately notify your post office and anyone with whom you do business via the mail. Always deposit your important mail (credit card applications, payments, etc.) in a mail slot at your local post office, or hand it directly to your letter carrier. If you believe that your mail has been stolen, or see any suspicious activity immediately contact the Pittsburg Police Department 925-646-2441. For full details, view this message on the web. TEXT-A-TIP  Text TIP  PITTSBURGPD followed by your message, to 888777  or  Submit an anonymous web tip For help, reply HELP to 888777. To cancel, reply STOP to 888777. No charge but Message & Data rates may apply. 2 messages. More info at nixle.com. AT&T, T-Mobile®, Sprint, Verizon Wireless and most other carriers are supported. Contact customer support at support@nixle.com. Sent by Pittsburg Police Department (CA) 65 Civic Ave, Pittsburg, CA 94565 CLICK HERE AND SUBSCRIBE TO NIXLE.COM Powered by . © 2014 Nixle, LLC. All rights reserved.

All Original Content © 2014, The MENTOR Enterprises / ELMS, All Rights Reserved. BUT, I hereby waive those rights, to this extent: You may freely copy and pass this along -- and are urged to do so -- as long as it's all done free of charge, unchanged, you include this statement, AND you inform me as to how it is being used -- at YOUR convenience but, hopefully soonest.

STREET-SWEEPING PROGRAM -- Pittsburg, Antioch, Bay Point

Posted:  28 Oct 14


1.  Purpose

To help pass the word about the Delta Diablo Sanitation District (DDSD)'s street-sweeping program and how we might cooperate to make the part of the world we see everyday an even more pleasing source of pride and comfort.

This is something easily overlooked -- or might be unknown to some of us.  

But is well worth attending to.

2.  Discussion

Basically, those interesting sweeping-machines come around a couple of times per month.  And what a difference they make, if they're allowed to do their jobs properly.  And, we are paying for it, after all.

We are requested to routinely mark the schedule on our calendars (see 3, below) -- or do whatever it takes to remember to keep our cars (and other obstacles) out of the way until sweeping has been accomplished --- and then, actually do so.


3.  The Specifics

Here is a link to the portion of the Pittsburg City website which deals with this topic.

Here's a helpful excerpt, for your convenience, though there's more of interest on the actual site:

Residential streets are swept twice monthly during weekdays, when residents are typically at work and on-street parking is at a minimum.

Commercial, industrial and business areas are swept weekly at night when heavy daytime traffic is not present, businesses are typically closed and on-street parking minimized.

Click on (1) Street Sweeping Map 09 to view a map of the City's street sweeping schedule -- AND -- (2) A list by street name can be viewed by clicking on Street Sweeping Schedule 2009. [YOU'LL NEED TO LOOK AT BOTH -- THEY WORK TOGETHER]

4.  Requested Action

Please note your scheduled days and do what you can to allow the City to make life better around your homes and/or places of business. TRY HARD TO NOT LEAVE THINGS IN THE WAY.

Please help pass this word among your neighbors, so they will have a chance to help in this way, too.

HELP EACH OTHER REMEMBER  -- for we all forget stuff in this busy life -- and can use all the help we can get.


Thanks, neighbors!

David Nelson





All Original Content © 2014, The MENTOR Enterprises / ELMS, All Rights Reserved. BUT, I hereby waive those rights, to this extent: You may freely copy and pass this along -- and are urged to do so -- as long as it's all done free of charge, unchanged, you include this statement, AND you inform me as to how it is being used -- at YOUR convenience but, hopefully soonest.

2014 CITY ELECTIONS & MAJOR ISSUE for PITTSBURG, CA (#8)

Posted: 27 Oct 14

Record of Changes:
Change #1: 28 Oct -- adjusts the discussion in section 3, below
Change #2: 28 Oct -- expanded on the process description in subpara. 3.2
Change #3: 29 Oct -- pointed out, in section 2, that the referenced news-article includes a brief bio-profile for the candidates
Change #4: 30 Oct -- added, near the middle of para 3.2, the observation that the Wespac review-process seems to be having an unfortunate side-effect on the election process
Change #5: 31 Oct -- turned para 3.2 into "A SITUATION ASSESSMENT" 
Change #6: 31 Oct -- added, in 3.1, "Background -- Some Relevant News Articles
Change #7: 31 Oct -- pointed out, in 3.2, that this is the way the available information adds up for me and am not trying to influence anyone's vote -- I just want the playing field to be a bit more level
Change #8: 2 Nov -- clarified the bases for my opinions in the intro to 3.2 Situation Assessment

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1.  PURPOSE

To help publicize useful information concerning the candidates who are contending for three of the five City Council seats and the City Treasurer position -- and the major issue, WESPAC.

The two incumbents who are running for re-election to the City Council are Mayor Sal Evola and Vice Mayor Pete Longmire.  (See 2, below, for a path to information on ALL the candidates for Council)

Councilmember Nancy Parent is vacating her seat, after over 20 years of devoted service on the Council, to run for City Treasurer and is the sole candidate

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2.  BASIC INFORMATION

• INTERVIEWS:  an excellent East County Times article, by Nate Gartrell, dated 10/3/14 and entitled: "Pittsburg City Council candidates sound off on WesPac oil rail project, development" (please click this title) -- this covers an interview with all of the candidates and the essence of their positions on selected topics -- and contains a brief bio-profile for each.  
• SUPPORTING VIDEO: a video presentation of the interview reported on, above -- an excellent chance to meet and hear from all, but one, of the candidates.  The one candidate, George Monterrey, who was not videoed, has communicated his position in this basic material.
• MORE: on the City Council Candidates (Google search)
• AND, FINALLY:  the City Treasurer -- Councilmember Nancy Parent's Election website;  official description of the job and present incumbent (on the City website); and general material (Google search)

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3.  THE MAJOR ISSUE (In my opinion)

The WESPAC Energy Infrastructure Project 
(click this title for a Google search)

Surely, the most contentious issue, with the most serious, far-reaching consequences for the City's future (and, indeed, for the much larger surrounding area) is the "Wespac" proposal.  The new City Council will decide this issue during the upcoming term.

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3.1  THE REQUEST: WESPAC requests to be permitted to drastically alter/expand, re-open, and operate the existing oil-handling facilities in the western end of the City.

• WHO is WESPAC -- (Corporate Information)
• Corporate website dedicated to the project
• Pertinent Information on the City website

BACKGROUND: SOME RELEVANT NEWS ARTICLES:

8/2/14 -- "Pittsburg: WesPac oil-by-rail storage project remains on hold," by Paul Burgarino, Contra Costa Times

2/26/14 -- "Rail Projects Boosting Oil Flow to California Refineries," Lynn Doan, Bloomberg.com

2/20/14 -- "Pittsburg Council Does the Right Thing in Reopening WesPac EIR for Comments," ForestEthics.org

2/19/14 -- "Pittsburg will reopen public comments on proposed Wespac oil transfer facility," by Eve Mitchell, Contra Costa Times

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3.2  THE PROCESS:  Currently, the environmental impact reporting (EIR) process is ongoing and has been since at least 2012 (no surprise for such a crucial, incredibly complex issue).  This is a legally-mandated and specified procedure to study and evaluate all sides of the issue -- with sufficient opportunities for the public's input -- to produce a sound recommendation to the City Council, for final decision.

A SITUATION ASSESSMENT

This is my interpretation of the information which has come before me -- and I believe I am presenting to you a fair, honest, and reasonable approximation of some of the realities in play -- as I understand them.  

It, in no way, indicates my personal opinion on the merits of the WesPac proposal -- I'm just trying to help level the playing field, for therein lies the best promise of the best possible outcome -- as in most things in this life. (Much derives from the public, regular City-Neighborhood meetings conducted, several times a year, personally, by the City Manager and staff -- and separate investigations of written materials and interviews of responsible parties -- from all sides in reach)  

Besides, I'm no stranger to this subject, having written numerous related bulletins over the past several years, on this very blog.

PRIVATE FEELINGS:  Regardless of how Council members and private citizens personally feel about the proposal, the City Government is lawfully obligated to accept such requests and give them fair and thorough consideration. To reject, out of hand, would be unlawful, undemocratic, self-defeating on future growth opportunities, and likely to overlook at least some important considerations, leading to needful thoroughness and proper resolution of the request.

DUE PROCESS:  I have become convinced that it would be a premature, unjust, improper, and destructive precedent for members of the City Council to publicly stake out their positions, now (or, in good conscience, EVEN FORMING ONE) -- before the most sensible available process delivers the thoroughly studied proposal for their formal consideration.  Akin to a judge passing sentence (i.e. deciding the case), before the case is given to the jury or is even fully heard.  Orderly and fair process is the most sensible way to face-down complexity -- no matter how unpalatable or politically sensitive.  So, Council Members are constrained (hand-cuffed) from forming their positions, before officially hearing the entire case -- and that case isn't ready to be presented yet.

SIDE EFFECT:  In my humble opinion, this SEEMS to have an unfortunate impact on the democracy.  The election is to give people the chance to invoke their will.  But with the two incumbent-candidates constrained from even taking an official position, until OFFICIALLY presented with all the facts, both the people and they are denied the chance to communicate, meaningfully on the topic.  On the other hand, do we, the public, want to decide ourselves, without benefit of the entire story -- or do we choose whom we trust and allow them to do their jobs with the hard decisions -- JUDICIOUSLY?

INCUMBENCY DILEMMA:  Their incumbency leaves them vulnerable before candidates who are free to take popular positions -- before the City staff has completely processed the information -- and who are also free to even falsely (or erroneously) attribute to incumbent-candidates, positions they are not even supposed to have taken, yet -- before the case is laid before them in Council session -- and this, in order to maintain fairness and lawfulness, in the manner in which the City conducts its business.   It all boils down to whether or not the incumbent --  and the system -- are trusted to make the best decision, when all the facts are heard and weighed.  (Further,  if the attributed-position doesn't yet exist, then its attribution to a candidate is a fiction which MUST BE CONSIDERED TO BE AN UNFOUNDED ONE -- and not necessarily true and therefore, completely UNJUST.)

ANOTHER WAY:  The public record contains explicit and implicit evidence as to the character of the incumbents and the manner of their thinking and is a reasonable predictor of their future performance.  Whomever we "hire," we are entrusting them to make the hard choices for us and for which they are accountable.

WHETHER YOU DISAGREE OR AGREE WITH MY ASSESSMENTS, YOU ARE MORE THAN WELCOME TO SAY SO IN THE COMMENT SECTION, BELOW... a democratic procedure, I'd say.

This is where we are in the review process, thus far. Many more public meetings are expected, before this finally and officially reaches the Council.

BOILING IT DOWN FURTHER: I might add that such exercises in democracy are edifying to all of us and build civic practice and skills which can be used again and again, to good effect, now and in the future.  

By speaking their minds, the citizens are behaving democratically and are helping the process.  By weighing ALL the factors, the system is behaving responsibly and safeguarding the orderly process, so it will endure, intact, far beyond any particular term of office or election cycle. (two sides of the same coin being tossed for the City's future).  

This also alerts us to the perils of paying insufficient attention to local affairs -- for a constructively experienced, ready, observant, and involved -- but scrupulously fair -- citizenry and government are real assets to the continuous betterment of the precious life-experience -- within the common territory.  

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3.3  THE CURRENT OPPOSITION:  Because of the potential to drastically and permanently alter the whole nature and behavior of the City -- with health, aesthetic, safety, and other serious survival and quality of life risks perceived -- civic groups have been forming to loudly voice, generally, strong opposition from among significant portions of the populace -- and to help mobilize sufficient numbers of people to insure the proposal's defeat.

 It is an undeniable fact that the facility is to be uncomfortably close to a significant number of residences in the west -- and will be a conspicuous presence for a much larger area.  A quick glance at the map leaves no doubt.

Here are some concerned civic organizations in opposition
(Google search)
Pittsburg Defense Council (PDC)

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3.4  CURRENTLY IN FAVOR:  Pulling in the other direction are the predictions of favorable impacts on at least the economic picture (primarily, increased employment; the addition of powerful new financial and physical resources for the City; and attractiveness to even more investment and revenues).  Google searches were not fruitful for this investigation.

Those in favor, as I presently understand it, are those who see the economic opportunities as paramount -- and the risks foreseeable and manageable -- such as certain labor unions and corporate stake-holders and their cooperative environments, among others.

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4.  NEXT STEPS, FOR THIS BULLETIN

As with most of my bulletins, here, I consider this to be a "living document."  In other words, it is meant to be an "information-accumulator."  As significant information becomes known to me, I expect to update this, at once.

• To be fair and thorough, I hope that those who have something to add will make this known to the rest of us, here.  (My own resources for this are spread-thin, by unavoidable necessity -- still a one-man show -- and I could use the help)
• I will signal significant changes by adding a version-number, up in the title of this.
• I hope you will find this to be fair, correct, reasonably thorough, and helpful (or help me make it so).

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David Nelson




All Original Content © 2014, The MENTOR Enterprises / ELMS, All Rights Reserved. BUT, I hereby waive those rights, to this extent: You may freely copy and pass this along -- and are urged to do so -- as long as it's all done free of charge, unchanged, you include this statement, AND you inform me as to how it is being used -- at YOUR convenience but, hopefully soonest.